Seraphim is a Bystander

School Trip Day 1: An Encounter at the Souvenir Shop
 

With Yuzu newly joining our group, we continued touring the divine residence—our last destination during our free exploration time.
Even though it was called the god's residence, the deity didn’t appear in public, and we hadn’t come with the goal of meeting them anyway.
“It’s amazing that a wooden building like this has lasted a thousand years…”
“Yeah, I heard the god protected it during the Dragon Disaster. Even so, for it to still be standing is incredible.”

The shrine had been built about a thousand years ago.
In modern times, where wooden structures were basically extinct, the fact that one had survived this long gave it tremendous historical value.
The god usually lived deep in the back area, and the parts open to the public were limited to the main halls for worship.
“Nya!”
“What’s up, Yuzu? Do you want to see the building too?”

“Nya…”
At first, I thought Yuzu was excited about the architecture, but apparently not.
When I moved her from my shoulder to my arms for a better view, she let out a sigh and went quiet—as if disappointed.
“S-she's a bit of a picky one, huh…?”

“Nya? …Nya.”
When Rei-kun reached out to touch Yuzu, she unusually allowed it without fussing.
Seeing that, Ken’s eyes widened in surprise—then he slumped in defeat.
“Damn it… what’s wrong with me…?”

“Animals can tell when someone’s rough. Right, Nishizono?”
“Say what? You haven’t been able to pet her either!”
“T-that’s just because she hasn’t gotten used to me yet…!”

“Ahaha…”
As Runa-chan and Ken argued, Rei-kun and I—being the only two Yuzu allowed to touch her—exchanged slightly awkward glances.
…But really, I wonder why she’s so okay with just us?
“Nya!”

“Whoa—careful.”
Yuzu, curled up in my arms until then, suddenly leaped back onto my shoulder, as if to say "This is my spot."
Seems like the shoulder’s her preferred place after all.
With Yuzu perched comfortably again, we finished exploring the shrine and started touring the nearby souvenir shops.
We walked through streets filled with famous Kyoto sweets and various trinkets.
“Hey ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) Aoi, what’s this wooden sword for?”

“…Training, maybe?”
“Why’s it in a souvenir shop?”
“…You thinking of buying it?”

“Nah, too bulky.”
Ken had found an old-school wooden practice sword for some reason.
He gave it a swing to test its durability… and confirmed it wasn’t great.
“Whoa! This handkerchief’s really pretty!”

“Apparently it’s made with a traditional weaving technique. Rare material too…”
“It feels nice! I think I’ll buy it…”
“Good idea. I might get one as a gift for my parents too…”

I bought a handkerchief made of beautiful fabric as a souvenir for my mom and dad.
“Aoi-kun! This one’s really good—try it!”
“Mmm, thanks… Oh, that is good!”

“Right? It’s called Mutsuhashi, apparently.”
“Hmm~… I wonder how long it keeps when it’s fresh?”
“Seems like it lasts a while! You could just send it home right away.”

“Yeah, good point.”
We bought tasty snacks and marveled at rare items you wouldn’t normally see.
It was fun exploring the souvenir shops together.
But just as we were walking, I noticed Rei-kun stop at the corner of one of the shops, staring at something.

“Rei-kun? Did something catch your eye?”
“Ah, Aoi-kun… Do you know what this is used for?”
What he showed me was a thin panel, barely a millimeter thick.
It was palm-sized and long vertically, with a string attached at the top.
The frame was metal, and the inside was decorated with stained glass in colorful patterns—depicting the divine residence.

“Hmm? …What is this? Oh, isn’t that the shrine’s design?”
“Yeah, it looks like stained glass and I thought it might make a nice decoration, but…”
“The label says… ‘Shiori’?”

“Y-yeah… It wasn’t expensive, but I’ve never heard that word before.”
The price tag had a low enough number that it wouldn’t break our budget.
But the word “Shiori” printed next to it was unfamiliar.
Just as I was wracking my brain, thinking the name sounded vaguely familiar, a stranger’s voice suddenly spoke from behind us.
“You two—do you need help with something?”

““Huh?””
Rei-kun and I turned around in unison.
Standing there was a kind-looking gentleman, dressed like a refined older man, exuding a sense of elegance and calm.